Asking and listening – that’s it.
Gone are the days when leaders could just be command and control addicts.
Gone are the days when leaders are anointed the alleged gurus in their field.
Educated informed and concerned employees worth their salt need more than gurus and bosses.
Google is guru and bosses are dinosaurs.
Today’s effective leaders are humanity specialists, not HR process junkies.
These leaders have enough understanding to navigate technical and operational issues with the help of subject matter experts and Google.
They have experience in dealing effectively with difficult people and difficult situations whilst keeping calm and centred.
They do that by asking respectful open-ended questions and deep listening.
They demonstrate care and relevant competence, consistently.
So, do you have a repertoire of helpful illuminating respectful questions to which people can own the answers?
Are you able to listen deeply, so that you can acknowledge their answers and ask even more helpful questions?
If not, be comforted by the fact that you can easily acquire these skills.
The difference between a novice and a master is simply consistent correct practice.
What’s been your experience with effective leaders?
What were their core attributes?
Your response will help us all.
